Michael Phelps fails to qualify for 100-meter freestyle, 100 backstroke finals at WCup event

By MALIN RISING , Associated Press

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 5:47 AM

STOCKHOLM - Michael Phelps failed to qualify for the finals of the 100-meter freestyle and 100 backstroke events at a World Cup short-course meet while wearing an old-style swimsuit.

Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, finished 16th in the qualifying round of the 100 freestyle in 47.77 seconds. Eight swimmers advanced to the final, with Stefan Nystrand of Sweden recording the fastest qualifying time of 45.93.

In the 100 backstroke, Phelps was disqualified. The referee didn't immediately specify why.

Phelps did not compete in either event in Beijing, when he broke Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals won at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Phelps was sporting a beard Tuesday and competing in the old-style swimsuit that will become the standard next year, while most other swimmers used faster high-tech suits.

His coach, Bob Bowman, said Monday he wants Phelps to use the suit in the lead-up to the U.S. national championships next year.

Phelps said before the meet that he was not "in the best shape" but wanted to use the competition in Stockholm to test his form and the older swimsuit.

Also, Jing Zhao of China set a world record in the women's 50 backstroke in 26.08. She beat the previous world record of 26.17, set by Marieke Guehrer of Australia four days ago in Moscow.